People gather as smoke billows from Nasser Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on March 23, 2025, according to Palestinian civil defense officials. REUTERS
An Israeli airstrike struck a hospital in southern Gaza on Sunday night, causing a fire and leaving many casualties. Two doctors from the Nasser Medical Complex confirmed the attack, which is part of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the region.
The Israeli military stated it was targeting a Hamas member hiding in the hospital. However, they did not reveal the individual’s identity. Hamas-affiliated media later reported that Ismail Barhoum, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, and his nephew Ibrahim were killed in the strike. According to the report, Barhoum was receiving treatment at the hospital for injuries sustained in an earlier Israeli attack on March 18. Hamas confirmed his death, calling it proof of Israel's disregard for international laws.
Hospitals are protected under international law during conflicts and can only be attacked in rare cases, such as if they are actively being used for military purposes. Despite this, Israeli forces have accused Hamas of using hospitals for cover, which they claim justifies the strikes.
On Sunday, Israeli forces also intensified operations in southern Gaza. The military encircled the Tel al-Sultan district near Rafah and ordered civilians to evacuate. According to reports, troops launched ground attacks, targeting Hamas’ command centers and killing several fighters. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank accused Israel of forcefully displacing thousands of already displaced people by firing at their tents.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Health condemned the hospital strike, saying that Israeli forces targeted the building's surgical unit, which housed many injured patients. The attack caused a large fire, leaving part of the hospital in ruins.
Footage from the scene shows thick smoke, fire, and people walking through the damaged hallways in shock. Power was reportedly knocked out during the attack. Several doctors, including American and European teams, were working at the hospital when the strike occurred.
In addition to the hospital attack, Israeli forces continued their ground operations in northern Gaza. Fighter jets struck several Hamas sites in Beit Hanoun, aiming to expand their security zone. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also prevented aid trucks from entering Gaza, hoping to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that over 50,000 people have been killed since the conflict began on October 7. The ministry said 41 people died in the last 24 hours alone. Aid groups have warned that Gaza is on the brink of a severe hunger crisis. The United Nations confirmed that no food, water, or medicine has entered Gaza for three weeks, making the siege even more devastating than during the early days of the war.
